Day 41 Rangely, CO to Vernal, UTAH 53 Miles – End of the Adventure to Utah

Another memorable day – but, perhaps the most memorable, because Jake realized his main, ultimate goal, i.e. of riding his bicycle from Kentucky to Utah.

Yes, we crossed the border into UTAH today. Jake was all smiles, and yet perhaps a little let down, because there was really nothing different on either side of the border. But, made it he did and he has achieved something, which at one time appeared impossible and which few really imagined he could accomplish.

Headwinds increased as the day progressed. We were in the high plains. Although expected to be relatively flat or downhill, we still climbed over 2,000 feet today.

After we crossed the large Green River, after it has flowed out of the Flaming Gorge reservoir, we entered Jensen, Utah, where we ate lunch.

Then, a wonderful surprise, about ten or eleven miles before our goal of Vernal, on the other side of the street a bike rider came towards us, whom I quickly recognized was my good, good friend, Perry Taylor.

He rode out from Vernal to meet, greet, and ride back to his home in Vernal. Jake had really hoped he would come, and he did. He and his wonderful family have provided the best ending to this fabulous adventure. It was so good to be in Vernal and the Utah mountains.

Forty-one days, 1,750 miles, many different roads, ups and downs, rain, heat, humidity, coolness, forests, fields, sage brush, mountains, cars and trucks, and churches everywhere.

It was America from Kentucky to Utah – seen at the slow speed of a bicycle. What an adventure! What wonderful, once in a lifetime adventure for a son and his father, and his grandfather, and his family, and his friends!

We met so many good, friendly, kind, generous people. We saw clouds and blue skies, and felt crisp, clear air. We encouraged each other when it was difficult to go on. We shared water and power bars when we ran out.

After somewhere in Missouri, grandpa was there to help. “Just tell me what time in the morning,” he would say. He scouted places to eat and to sleep, and tried to protect us from the heavy, dangerous traffic. And he shared his observations and thoughts on life.

Jake dreamed a dream and it came true!

From JakeTransAmerica

From JakeTransAmerica

From JakeTransAmerica

From JakeTransAmerica